×

Coaches report: Magicians boys hockey co-head coach Jason Bennett

MHS opens season with 2-1 over Bottineau

On Dec. 15, the defending regular season region champion Minot boys hockey club got off on the right foot with a season opening 2-1 road triumph over the Bottineau-Rugby Braves.

Minot was able to draw first blood in the first period on the strength of a Casey Fjeld goal which was assisted by Benn Bonebrake at the 12:40 mark. Then in the third, Riley Opperude added to the Magicians’ lead thanks to a 5-on-3 power play goal at the 5:51 mark. Opperude was assisted on the play by Aiden Morelli and Derwin Hauser. Defensively, Tre Sortland registered 21 saves behind the net for Minot on the evening.

Next up for the Magicians, they are scheduled to face Mandan at the Maysa Arena on Thursday. The Minot Daily News asked MHS co-head coach Jason Bennett about what he expects to see from his club, and which players may rise to the forefront as the year progresses. Here is what Bennett had to say via email.

MDN: What are your expectations heading into the season?

Bennett: There are high expectations for our team coming into the 2020-2021 high school hockey season. After going 13-1 in the regular season and claiming the West Region regular season title, the Magicians return 15 players that played in the regionals as well as the state tournament last year.

MDN: What kind of adjustments have you made due to the interruption of the winter sports calendar?

Bennett: Because we are very senior heavy this year, we were able to jump right back into the swing of things once activities resumed. The kids have been around for a few years and they know what the expectations are and type of work that needs to be put in to be successful at this level.

MDN: What do you think will be the biggest challenge of coaching in this new environment brought on by the pandemic?

Bennett: I think the biggest challenge this year is just the unknown. Once the puck drops, COVID-19 really doesn’t affect the game. It’s just the waking up every day not knowing for sure if there are a spike in new cases or if there have been a bunch of kids in close contact or have even tested positive. All things which might shut the season down again for an extended period of time.

MDN: Who are some of your key upperclassmen you are expecting big things from this year?

Bennett: We have a number of seniors as well as juniors that return from last year’s team. Junior Jayden Luck is the team’s returning scorer from last season. Aiden Morelli and Riley Opperude provide senior leadership as two returning captains from last year’s squad. Defense will be key and we were very successful defending and not allowing much last year. We return four defense men and an all-state goalie from last year in Tre Sortland.

MDN: What are some of the team goals you hope to accomplish by season’s end?

Bennett: Your first goal is always winning the regular season title. From there, you’re looking to qualify for the state tournament with two wins at the West Region. Even though we did qualify for the state tournament last year, not making it to the West Region Tournament Championship game was a bit of a let down.

I’d say winning the West Region Tournament Championship this year for the first time since 2006 is one of our goals. Once you get to the state tournament, anything can happen and we are hoping to turn some heads there and make a deep run.

MDN: How long have you been the coach at Magic City, and what is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Bennett: John Grubb and I are entering our seventh season as co-head coaches. Having won a state title in our first year together, we are eager to get back to the state semi-finals and hopefully even another crack at the championship game.

The kids are what keeps you coming back to the rink every day. We have a great group of kids this year and most of them have been with us for three years now. It’s exciting to watch them develop into not only really good hockey players, but respectable young men as well. Expectations are high, and we are excited to see what the future holds.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today